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Iron (hydr)oxide-clay mineral composite boosting microplastics photoaging: The effect of free radicals and Fe cycling mediated by a light-driven Fenton-like reaction
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Iron (hydr)oxide minerals goethite and hematite were found to significantly accelerate the photodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics under simulated sunlight, with goethite showing greater effect due to higher hydroxyl radical production via a light-driven Fenton reaction. The study reveals a previously overlooked natural mechanism by which common soil minerals can influence the environmental fate of microplastics.
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